As part of Ricoh Imaging’s partnership with Colorado Ballet, images and video from the showcase shoot will appear in print and online ads, point-of-purchase displays, marketing materials and email, as well as in social media and public relations initiatives.

“Colorado Ballet is one of Denver’s finest assets,” said Brian McIntosh, Director of Marketing, Ricoh Imaging. “Is it any wonder that we would elect to align with an organization this extraordinary? Their commitment to excellence mirrors our own and it has been an honor to work with them.”

Since 2006, Colorado Ballet has used Birnbach’s promotional dancer photos on posters, postcards, brochures, banners and online to promote the season productions. In the spring of 2013, Birnbach featured several Colorado Ballet dancers in his “Limelight” series for The Month of Photography Denver. The photos combined 1940’s Hollywood lighting with the feel of the 1830’s calotype process. The American Society of Media Photographers recently named the “Limelight” series as one of the ASMP Best of 2013.

“The ability to capture the exact second where movement and emotion intersect is vital in taking a beautiful image of a dancer,” said Birnbach. “Working with a ballerina as talented as Dana and having products as flexible as the PENTAX K-3 support photographers in capturing the decisive shot that makes their vision a reality.”

Benton joined Colorado Ballet in 2001 as a Corps de Ballet member and in 2007, she was promoted to Soloist. She has danced many principal roles with the Company including Clara in Colorado Ballet’s upcoming production of The Nutcracker.

“We are honored that Ricoh Imaging selected Dana and Allen to launch their new camera,” said Gil Boggs, Colorado Ballet Artistic Director. “Dance is probably one of the most difficult things to photograph because the movements are so quick and precise. Allen has an incredible eye and sense of timing when photographing dancers and if he is using the PENTAX K-3, then that is the camera everyone should use.”

The PENTAX K-3 is the most advanced interchangeable lens camera ever introduced by Denver-based Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation. For more information on the PENTAX K-3 and Ricoh Imaging’s full lineup of DSLRs and lenses, visit www.us.ricoh-imaging.com.

About Colorado Ballet
Established in 1961 by Lillian Covillo and Freidann Parker, Colorado Ballet is a non-profit organization celebrating 53 years of presenting world-class classical ballet and superior dance in Denver. Under the direction of Artistic Director Gil Boggs, Colorado Ballet presents more than 50 performances annually. Colorado Ballet enhances the cultural life of Colorado through performances of the professional company, training at the Academy, and Education & Outreach programs. Visit www.coloradoballet.org.